Jax Kayak Fishing Classic 2011 Results

The results are in from the 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic! This year 406 kayak anglers converged onto Jacksonville Florida to participate in the largest kayak fishing tournament in existence. $33,000.00 was raised benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Check out the following press release for the tournament details.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 14, 2011 - The kids at Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville won big at the 2011 Columbia Sportswear Kayak Fishing Classic as 406 kayak anglers raised over $33,000 for the charity's programs and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Anglers had ideal fishing conditions in the morning and overcame a windy storm front moving through the Jacksonville area in the afternoon to check in 14 slams, 45 Redfish, 54 Trout, and 43 Flounder.

"We are thrilled to be associated with such a world-class event, and want to thank the kayak anglers, sponsors, and everyone that made the Classic happen for their generous support ", said Jeff Leach Board President, and Debbie Revels, Executive Director of DSAJ. Tournament director Mike Kogan stated, “Every year we are awed by the incredible turnout – it’s clear the popularity of kayak fishing is growing and kayak anglers love the recreational, charitable, conservation, and family-oriented format of the Classic.”

The catch-photo-release charity event run by JaxKayakFishing.com, is the world’s largest kayak fishing event for the sixth consecutive year. The 2011 Classic was led again by the title sponsorship of Columbia Sportswear, whose focus on products that allow people to enjoy the outdoors longer and more comfortably is a perfect match for kayak fishing. All the entrants received a custom shirt featuring the latest outdoor comfort, protection, and stain release technology from Columbia.

Columbia was joined by other industry leaders such as Ocean Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Freedom Hawk Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, Diablo Paddlesports, Advanced Elements, Costa Del Mar, and Accent Paddles. The Classic also pulled together all of Northeast Florida’s kayak and fishing retailers led by Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Gander Mountain, and Dick's Sporting Goods to name just a few of the over 80 sponsors. Kogan related “the outstanding efforts of our volunteers and the kayak fishing community combined with the generosity of our terrific sponsors continue to make the Classic an unqualified success.”

Jim Statlick of Cocoa Beach, FL claimed the top prize in the Ocean Kayaks slam division, winning a fully-rigged Ocean Kayaks Trident Ultra 4.7 fishing kayak. His 61.1” winning slam consisted of a 30.2” red, a 15” trout, and a 15.9” flounder. Statlick was closely followed by a group of Northeast Florida anglers including Walter Gomes at 60.6”, Charles Ganoe with 58.7”, and former slam winners Todd Derringer and Frank Gregg at 58.1” and 55.8” respectively.

Roland Sage of Yulee, FL won the Hobie Kayaks trout division with a 28.1” gator trout on a day when the trout bite was fired up. Top redfish honors went to John Elomaa of Jacksonville with a 34.5” red and he scored a Malibu Stealth kayak. Leading the way in the Emotion Kayaks flounder category was Mark Bellotte of Ruskin, FL with a 19.2” flattie.

Another highlight at the Classic this year was the FishingNosara.Com Family Cup, an award that recognizes the best fishing performance by a family. The Family Cup was won by the Ganoe family of Jacksonville, FL and they will enjoy a one week vacation in Costa Rica and a shopping spree at Black Creek Outfitters.

Mark "YakSushi" Watanabe is the Co. Founder of YakAngler.com, "He built this site!". He considers himself a mediocre fisherman and an unexceptional writer. He's the devoted father of a ton of little sushis (Air Quotes) and everyday tech ninja.